ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Weight Loss in Weight-Category Sports

Weight-category sports are defined by the requirement of a weigh-in before competition to provide performance equity and reduced injury risks eliminating size discrepancies. Athletes in these try gain theoretical advantage competing weight divisions that lower than their day-to-day body mass (BM), using combination chronic strategies (body-fat losses) acute manipulations over period hours days (“making weight”). Strategies support safer practices include minimal classification based on preseason composition, reductions between competition, prohibition unhealthy loss techniques. At an individual level, expert guidance nutrition professional can help athlete establish pragmatic long-term approach BM management, recognizing nuances sport, achieve favorable outcomes for both health performance.